6 Dec 2016

Life is more than reality television

In the midst of Christmas preparations, we seem to gain daily doses of reality television. We try to distinguish between what we have heard and what we hope for. We become so conditioned to respond to news stories that we do not know how to act thoughtfully.  We can become consumed by a way of being present to others which focus solely on our own needs. Yet the Gospel speaks to our hearts and opens our eyes. It challenges us to see the signs of God’s grace present in healing the sick, in befriending the poor and in making room for the people that society rejects. This is at the heart of our preparations for Christmas it calls us to recognise that the incarnation of Jesus changes the way we are present to the world.

The presence of Jesus seeks to reconcile the divisions in our own hearts and in the heart of our community. This is a gospel of life which says that every person is valued and is made in the image and likeness of God. How we become present to others in our prayers and actions allows us to prepare a way for the Lord which acknowledges this. As Christians, we are called to be people who reflect on the Gospel and live it with joyful hearts. This is not just about wishful thinking but actively seeking to put it into practice. Reconciliation is never just about ourselves but it is a way of life which seeks to put the Gospel into action. May the peace of Christ disturb you!

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